Lost Girls by Angela Marsons Read Free Book Online Page A

this, but there’s something else I need to look at,’ Kim said, offering what she hoped was a regretful smile.
    His face darkened. ‘Is this some kind of joke?’
    She stepped closer to him. ‘Please don’t be rude, Brad. I’m not being rude to you. I just need—’
    â€˜I’m not being fucking rude. I’m just saying—’
    She stepped forward again and frowned. ‘Please don’t swear. That’s an offence under the Public Order—’
    â€˜Is she for real?’ Brad asked Bryant.
    â€˜Don’t ask him, Brad. Speak to me. Unless you’re trying to insult me by speaking to “the man”, that is?’
    â€˜You’re a fucking lunatic,’ Brad said, stepping back against the wall. He had nowhere left to go.
    Kim took another step forward and crowded his personal space. Her face was an inch from his. ‘I’ve only asked for your help and co-operation …’
    â€˜Back off, Officer,’ he said, pushing her shoulder.
    She turned to Bryant with a smile. ‘Okay, cuff him and read him his rights.’
    Woody was going to love her for this one, but it was as much as she could do to keep Brad safe. Even for just a little while.
    She just hoped it was enough.

Twelve
    â€˜ I hope you know what you’re doing,’ Bryant said from the side of his mouth as he closed the back door.
    You and me both, she thought, heading to the passenger door. ‘You drive. I’ll call Ambo Control.’
    The temperature had dropped two degrees and was barely hovering above zero.
    Being in a car after riding the Ninja always felt like trudging up a mountain with a twenty-pound backpack. The abundance of metal and trim was cumbersome. She drove her own battered Golf only when taking Barney to the Clent Hills or when the roads were icy.
    â€˜Detective Inspector Stone; I wonder if you can help me,’ she said into the phone.
    â€˜I'll try,’ answered the female voice.
    â€˜Paramedics were called to a female who had collapsed at a leisure centre in Old Hill. Around lunchtime today.’
    There was silence on the other end as the despatcher tapped a few keys.
    â€˜Yes, I can confirm that to be the case.’
    â€˜Can you tell me where she was taken?’ Kim asked.
    â€˜The patient was taken to Russells Hall hospital.’
    â€˜Can you tell me her name?’
    â€˜No, I'm sorry but I can't give you that information.’
    â€˜I understand the data protection issues but we really need to identify this woman.’
    â€˜Inspector, I'm sorry but I really can't give you those details …’
    Kim growled. They had to establish for certain whether that woman was involved but there were times when the legislation of data protection was like quicksand.
    â€˜Listen,’ Kim shouted at the phone. ‘We need to know—’
    â€˜I can't give you any information,’ the despatcher said, coldly, ‘because I don't have any details to give. The female in question never made it into the hospital. As soon as the ambulance doors opened, she bolted.’

Thirteen
    K im headed past the lounge and straight into the war room.
    Stacey was connecting cables to two laptops and a network adaptor.
    Dawson stacked a fourth plastic box in the corner.
    â€˜Is that it?’ Kim asked, surveying the case notes from Lloyd House. She had expected more. They were talking double abduction and one murder.
    Dawson nodded.
    â€˜Okay, Bryant will fill you in. I'm going to talk to the families.’
    Kim headed through to the informal lounge, which appeared to have become the gather point. They all looked at her expectantly.
    â€˜Right, folks, my team is now here and we'll be working out of the dining room. I have to ask that you stay out of that area.’
    Three of them nodded but Stephen just glared at her.
    She glared back. ‘I will be putting a lock on that door, just to make sure. You may agree to it now